Ash Barty has stunned the tennis world by announcing her retirement less than two months after winning the Australian Open.
The three-time grand slam champion revealed the news in a social media post.
In January the 25-year-old became the first local player since 1978 to win the Australian Open.
READ MORE: Former world champion Danny Green breaks down Barry Hall vs Sonny Bill Williams fight
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Barry Hall vs Sonny Bill Williams
READ MORE: Lions veteran Mitch Robinson hits out at tribunal’s decision to uphold one-week ban
“Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,” she wrote.
“I wasn’t sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend @caseydellacqua to help me.
“I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories that we created together.”
As well as the Australian Open in January, Barty won Wimbledon last year and Roland-Garros in 2019 and has spent more than two years as the top ranked player in the world.
MORE TO COME.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!